Let me first say this, I have played many, MANY guitars, and am a seasoned, experienced, active musician. I purchased this guitar a few years back because I dig the style, sound, and over-all quality of deans, needless to say that it was cheap.

THIS GUITAR WILL NOT SOUND GOOD OUT OF THE BOX. IT LACKS TONE AND POWER.

I finally decided to throw some Seymor Duncan Black-Outs on it, re-wire EVERYTHING, re-paint it, and carve out the body to fit a Floyd-Rose Tremolo rig. Once I had the locking nuts on it there was no issue with it slipping tune. With all of the upgrades on one hell of a body it actually is a very decent guitar, you just have to spend some extra dough to make it that way.

Its a very sturdy guitar, its just that the electronics and hardware on the stock model are not that good.

If you like projects, buy this, paint it to your liking(the stock finish is an unattractive matte wood grain) and throw some good activated pickups on it to make it scream.

This guitar was actually my 4th, and I have to say, no matter what these guys say, it's not that bad. It breaks easily, and doesn't sound too great, but it's a great starter guitar. I suggest if you're thinking about buying it, you play it first, so you know what you're getting into. I suggest a cheap stratocaster to any begginer who wants a cheap guitar instead of this one, unless you insist having the Dean name on your guitar. If you're looking for a good guitar, you should look elsewhere.

If you replace the tuners and pickups and have the guitar plek'ed it is one of the best sounding, playing guitars ever made. I've bought 6 high end USA made guitars in the last year and I keep coming back to this Evo XM. Granted you need to throw some money at upgrades maybe spend $500 but the foundation of this guitar (bolt on maple neck into a basswood body) I dare say has never been equaled. This guitar plain out rocks.

This guitar flat out sucks, I've had it 4 like 4 months and it sucks, it dont stay in tune, I doesnt handle anything below d(and it barely plays d well). Overall if ur wanting a starter guitar it may be ok. But if been playing for a year and I absolutly hate this guitar. Buy an esp or a jackson if you want the most bang for your buck!!

I bought this guitar about two years ago and boy was I happy to sell it. There was absoulutley no tone at all. I understand that Deans are metal guitars, but this was way to muddy sounding. Every note sounded like a nasty blur of sound. Good for a first guitar, but you will found out soon just how bad it sounds.